



r^«::%v-^ ;^--^^o^\^-:^ 







LAKE GEORGE ^^5/ 

AND 

ITS SURROUNDINGS 

BOTH OLD AND NEW, 
IN RHYME. 



Revised and Enlarged by a Second Part, 
MAKING A Circle op the Lake, touching 

ALL THE principal POINTS OF INTEREST, 

THE HOTELS, BOARDING HOUSES, 

CHURCHES AND COTTAGES IN 

GENERAL, NOTING THE PRIIN- 

CIPAL LAND MARKS OF 

THE OLDEN TIMES, 




GLENS FALLS, N. Y.: - V 3 6 S 

STAK PUBLISHING CO., PfilMERS 
1 89 1, 






Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1891, by 

Asa W. Brayton, in the oflBce of the Librarian 

of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



LAKE GEORGE 

AND ITS SURROUNDINGS-BOTH OLD AND NEW. 



BY ASA W. BRAYTON. 

One Dr. Guiicles, with many smiles 

Came out in search of rest; 
He found a spot and bought a lot. 

Then built himself a nest. 

Not far away from Kattskill bay 
The Doctor made a choice — 

To make his bed and lay his head. 
While many friends rejoice. 

A pleasant spot not soon forgot 

By gentlemen of taste; 
When they pass by 'twill take their eye. 

Should they be in a haste. 

The bullheads here, in water clear, 

Are a delicious fish; 
The bass and trout, without a doubt. 

Will crown the doctor's dish. 



'Tis splendid deeds, to troll the weeds, 

And pull the noble fish; 
And better, too — that's when we do 

Meet them in our own dish. 

The "Swaofo" bass, upon the grass, 

Or on the rock}- shoal, 
Your line will strand — if in your hand- 

Unless they're on a pole. 

Ma}' joy attend our welcome friend 

While in his new careers, 
Then on his trail when he may sail 

Or drift to other spheres. 

We welcome more unto our shore 

Who have a noble heart 
Like Dr. Guilde, to fish awhile 

And then with joy depart. 

Our "silver lake'' your love will take. 
Fanned by the mountain air; 

The roses, Miss, your cheeks will kiss. 
If you in time get there. 

Come, old and young, of every tongue, 
And make Lake George your bride; 

No better spot to cast your lot 
Than by its rolling tide. 



One cliilly day I went a\va\' 

Five miles as j-ou do hear; 
I had a hound, his name was Crown, 

He drove a noble deer. 

He made his way to Phelps' bay 

With music in his ear; 
They heard the hound and then ran down 

And saw this noble deer. 

Then in the lake he made his wake, 

It was his last retreat; 
To run or i\y, to swim or die, 

But here he soon got beat. 

'Twas woman's luck to kill this buck, 

She was Rebecca Phelps. 
With butcher knife she took his life; 

Burr, eight years, not much help. 

Now, in these days ladies were praised, 

With now and then a hint; 
If feats were done by anyone. 

The}' soon get in the print. 

The gentle breeze that fans the trees 

Will sail your boat so nice 
To other shores — then pull the oars 

To lovely "Paradise." 



6 



This lovely bay, both night and day, 

Is fronted by an isle; 
Her bosom smooth the heart will soothe 

And breathe a sailor's smile. 

This eastern stack is * 'Mountain Black," 

And of the forest wild; 
The fallow deer were always here — 

We caught them when a child. 

Now turn your breast unto the west 

And view the "Kettle Rock," 
Where ladies red ground corn for bread 

To feed their little flock. 

We pass "Round Rock" for Butler's dock — 

It stands on "Popple Point"; 
'Tis nice and clean, as all have seen, 

With nothing out of joint. 

One autumn daj', for sport or play. 
My mate went up the hill. 

And with one hound drove three deer down- 
Large bucks, which we did kill. 

These mountains great seem desolate 

Unto the stranger's eye: 
Still there's a vase, by Nature's grace, 

To scent the passer b3'. 



The scenery grand, o'er lake and strand, 

Far as the eyes can stray; 
Then view with awe what Nature's law 

Hath planted here to stay. ' 

The female deer comes often here 

With two fawns by her side 
In spotted coats — we take some notes. 

Then draw their forms with pride. 

Ladies, attend, — go with a friend 

Upon those mountains high, 
To breathe a share of God's pure air 

While it is passing by. 

We do intend to soon descend 

Two thousand feet, or more. 
And leave this vase of Nature's grace 

For Horicon's fair shore. 

We'll start our crew down the "Long Sue," 

And call on "Mother Bunch;" 
We caught four deer and brought them liere. 

Before we took our lunch. 

One Samuel P. and Henry B. 

Caught this whole number — four. 
While one nice deer, with timid fear. 

Slipped olf along the s]K)re. 



A busy time for bo3^s in prime — 

No time to be a dunce — 
From "Rouse's Rock" came this whole flock, 

Five in the lake at once. 

We leave our grace here on this place 

And sail to "Hulett's Bay"; 
Those pioneers were once my dears, — 

Long since they've gone to staj'. 

With Hulett Harv. no one would starve; 

The mother kind and free, 
And four good boys to crown the joys 

Of every one they see. 

At the south end lived John, my friend 

And ivy in between; 
Harvey below, three in a row, 

As we have always seen. 

All lived in bays, their latter days, 

Snug as the little mice; 
In harmony the}' all agree, 

Each home, a paradise. 

Their social hours, 'mid summer tlowers, 

Sweet joy always attends; 
In quietude on land so rude, 

They lived as bosom friends. 



9 



Near "OdeU's Isle" we stopped awhile — 

One week was all the time; 
Nine deer we caught and home we brought, 

When I was in my prime. 

We'll give our names — one, Ripley, James 

And Henry Harris, two, 
And Asa B., this writer, three, 

Was all our little crew. 

A trip we'll take across the lake. 

Where the French army lay 
O'er Sabbath day to preach and pray. 

And then they marched away. 

This land of fame derived its name 

From this same circumstance; 
They prayed the Lord to them reward 

Wherever the}^ advanced. 

Their wicked deed made good hearts bleed, 

Where lives a burning pjiin; 
While at the fort, for blood or sport, 

The garrison were slain. 

Three days of strife for dear, sweet life 

At William Henry's fort, 
Where cannon roar and human gore 

Were naught but savage sport. 



10 



Then to their cost saw all was lost, 

And the.y must soon give o'er, 
No help at all to save the fall 

Of all their little store. 

The bitter cup surrendered up, 
And stacked their shattered arms; 

Montcalm agreed to give them heed 
So no one should be harmed. 

Demons from hell, with savage yell. 

And tomahawk in hand, 
And scalping knife to take the life 

Of all this valiant band. 

But seven stout who gave not out. 

On magic pinions sailed; 
To Edward's fort they did report, 

And told the bitter tale. 

When twenty years rolled off with f^ars, 

Burgojme came sweei^ing b}'; 
With Indian bands and treach'rous hands 

Jennie McCrea did die. 

The murmuring spring- witnessed the thing-. 

Just at the break of day; 
An Indian blow laid Jennie low. 

Then bore her scalp away. 



11 



Then tied at last to "Pine" tree fast, 

Tliey buried in her head 
The tomahawk, so people talk. 

And scalped ere she was dead. 

The great pine tree, we used to see. 

Stood sentinel so true; 
For many years was bathed in tears 

Fresh as the morning dew. 

Beneath this pine, in olden time, 

A lovely, blooming maid 
By Indian bands and savage hands 

In death's cold arms was laid. 

One hundred years, both sighs and tears 
Have marked this sacred spot; 

This tree of fame bore Jennie's name, 
So she was not forgot. 

Jennie McCrea was on her way 

To be a soldier's bride; 
Her lover true, with much ado, 

Soon pined away and died. 

Her lover wrote, and sent a note, 

To one in high command, 
To send her down unto his town 

By some good, faithful band. 



He did obey — sent her avvaj^ 

With Indians for her guide 
To her befriend and to attend; 

On horseback she did ride. 

Now the}' have gone way down the lawn 

Unto Fort Edward hill, 
There met a band who did demand 

Miss Jennie, or they'd kill. 

The money prize, before their eyes. 
Was what they wished to claim, 

But the first crew the maiden slew. 
To beat them in their game. 

The General told he'd pay the gold 

Whenever Jennie come, 
To those who brought her, as they ought, 

Unto his cabin home. 

Now Jennie's love we prize above 

A victory in the field, 
Which heroes great leave desolate, 

Though won with burnished steel. 

The human heart still feels the smart. 

And blushes at the crime; 
This cruel deed — the people heed — 

Can never waste with time. 



13 



In this retreat here lovers meet 
And their sweet tributes bring, 

And tnnch tliey grieve — none to receive — 
They leave them with the "spring". 

We trust our race to keep this place 

As faithful stewards, tried; 
A sacred spot, not soon forgot, 

Where love and beauty died. 

The "spring" will tell where Jennie fell 

Wlien ages roll away; 
Will tell the truth to blooming youth, 

And to the aged gray. 

Hail, lovely "spring," our tributes bring 

Your waters clear and cool, 
Without the shade the pine tree made 

By Nature's living pool. 

Near Sandy Hill, as people tell. 

Her ashes now remain, 
Near to the gate, as friends do state, 

Lie buried on the plain. 

The marble stone tells everyone. 

Instead of being wed. 
Where she has been, and now lies in 

The city of the dead. 



14 



Farewell, we sa}-, to Jane McCrea, 

We treat her as a guest; 
A burning pain in hearts remain 

While Jennie is at rest/ 

We just ran down to Fort Edward mound 

To hear those bitter moans; 
Now we'll turn back upon our track 

And look after the bones. 

When you come here just drop a tear, 

And think upon the slain; 
Here on the beach their bones did bleach, 

All scattered o'er the plain. 

From Horicon to "Bloody Pond" 

The massacre was made; 
When all the gore drained from each pore, 

'Twas then the slaughter stayed. 

This bloody crew ere long withdrew 

And went to old Quebec; 
On Abraham's plain Montcalm was slain 

In time to save his neck. 

In Wolfe's command, we understand, 

A soldier did obej^ 
And fired a shot, in battle hot 

Which laid him in the clay. 



15 



It may be so, for aught we know, 

Upon the other side, 
For Wolfe was shot, forget it not, 

And in the morning died. 

Those generals bold, as we've been told, 
Between their armies walked, 

And there agreed each should proceed — 
The soldiers heard them talk. 

Wolfe should leave out his cannon stout, 

Montcalm his cavalr}', 
The battle fight to gain the right, 

And be the victor free. 

Both meant to cheat, to help them beat. 
And bring in their whole force; 

The troopers came, which was their game- 
W^olfe's cannon sjjoke, of course. 

Wolfe took the town with high renown 

Of country far and near; 
Pages sublime have marked the time. 

And laurels, as we hear. 

We'll change our route and turn about. 

And dine at old "Ti. Fort," 
W^here Johnny Bull gave all in full 

To Ethan Allen's court. 



16 



The bull exclaimed, "In whose f^reat name, 

I wish to know the cause?" 
"By the great God and Allen's rod, 

And Continental laws." 

Then Johnny sighed, and soon replied: 
"I'm at your great comniand." 

"Surrender all," v/as Allen's call, 
In language great and grand. 

A savage crew did once pursue 

One Rogers to "The Slide"; 
He took a leap down to the deep 

With much heroic pride. 

The redskins gazed — were much amazed 

To see the General fly — 
They fired a gun as Rogers run; 

He bid the fiends "good b^-e." 

Next comes "The Nose," where high wind 
'Tis formed by Nature's art — [blows- 

Her echoes plain upon the main 
With ever}' sound will start. 

We'll start our ship and on our trip 

We'll call on Reuben Brad.: 
His "House," complete, and kept so neat, 

Makes Reub. a thriltv lad. 



17 



One hundred isles do catch the smiles 

Of thousands not asleep; 
With love they gaze, and much do praise 

These beauties of the deep. 

One Sampson Paul, who had a call 

One morning by daylight, 
A panther strong did swim along 

Quite near to Sampson's sight. 

When he came near, he took his spear 

And shoved it in his head; 
Made no blunder, shoved him under. 

And held him until dead. 

One Daniel Moore, on Bolton's shore, 
Was called to view the game; 

A panther great, he did relate, 
Also the Indian's fame. 

We leave this shore for "Sagamore"; 

Tt stands on Bolton ground. 
And is May Queen of all we've seen 

In going Lake George round. 

We leave the queen on "Island Green," 

And drift towards the sun, 
And stop all day in "Middle Bay" 

To see what squaws have done. 



18 



Near to the head, in rocky bed, 

Their relics still remain; 
Their genius, skill, built many mill 

To grind their bags of grain. 

'Tis nice to view those mills so true. 

Though very simple all. 
Where ladies red ground corn for bread 

To feed their children small. 

Those mills were old as Aaron's gold; 

Their birthday is unknown. 
Still they may last while ages pass — 

They're made of granite stone. 

Lake George's name stands high with fame 

For water and pure air; 
Her dainty lish will crown our dish, 

And thousands stopping there. 

In times of old, as we've been told. 

The Indian name went on 
From year to year, without a fear — 

'Twas lovely "'Horicon." * 

In after years came doubts and fears. 

For the Frenchmen had come, 
And they were bent on "Sacrament," 

And took its waters home. 



19 



Some later day, b}' English sway, 

When war did them inflame, 
*'Lake George, thej^ said, our love hath wed, 

And that shall be its name. 

Columbia's boys, who reap the joys 

Of fields their fathers won, 
Now make the claim to change the name 

Unto "Lake Washington." 

The lake was won by Washington, 

And is his honest claim; 
From all the true it is his due 

To change it to his name. 

We hail the cars from Helen Mars, 

Or from some other port, 
Soon after dawn — eight in the morn — 

Near to King George's fort. 

The boat is here for j'ou, my dear. 

To take you o'er the tide; 
You can afford to step on board 

And take a pleasant ride, 

A happy day will pass awa}- 
While passing through the lake. 

For Nature's chart hangs here with art, 
From it new lessons take. 



20 



Then cast 3'our eye up to the sky 
And view the mountain's peak; 

What mighty power hath raised this tower 
No mortal tongue can speak. 

There's much to see, for you and me. 

Of things both new and old; 
Then gather gems from nature's stems 

As jewels set in gold. 

You'll soon be proud, your casket crown'd 

With relics by your hand, 
And then yon may bear them away 

Unto your native land. 

When you reach ''Ti" you'll sslx good bye 

To scenes 3'ou leave behind, 
And take the cars for the north stars 

New pleasures for to find. 

About nineteen, as we have seen, 

The "Phoenix" on the lake, — 
The first steamboat that here did float, — 

Her lazy trips did make. 

The "Phoenix" lay at close of day. 

Tied to the dock, we hear. 
And then the flame burnt up her name, 

Which ended her career. 



21 



The "Mountaineer" did next appear, 

And she was very slow; 
"William Caldwell" did better tell, 

As every one doth know. 

And then "John Jay" got in the way, 

And she was better still, 
But soon was burnt near to "Cook's Point," 

And some few persons killed. 

This splendid boat, of which I've wrote. 

Took fire, as people tell; 
Near to Cook's Isle, about one mile, 

Where Garfield then did dwell. 

The captain good and said he would 

Run to the nearest shore; 
She struck a rock and bounded back 

Into the lake once more. 

Then came the cry, "we all must die; 

She's going out to burn;" 
Then some, like sheep, jumped in the deep 

And never did return. 

All those who staid Avere soon conveyed 

Unto the land, once more, 
To view the fiame and call the dames 

Who perished near the shore. 



A southern gale did soon prevail, 

And drove her back again; 
They threw a plank upon the bank, 

Then walked off on the same. 

'Tis verj' sad and awful bad 

When we this scene relate; 
No one to blame for this great flame: 

We lay it all to fate. 

One lady drowned and never found. 

The husband being round, 
She took a leap into the deep 

And took five thousand down. 

The boaft: id play both night and day, 

And dragged the bottom o'er. 
But all in vain, they did complain, — 
Saw wife and cash no more. 

The John Jay run, three yeaps were done. 

As faithful as a bride, 
Some days two trips — she made no skips 

When Captain Farr did guide. 

"Minnehaha," name of a squaw. 
For many years went through, 

And made good time, when in her prime,— 
And the "Ganouskie," too. 



23 



Now runs the "Ti," as eagles fly; 

The "Horicon" is boss, 
And makes her rounds, like Cooper's hounds, 

Or some tliree minute "hoss." 

The hotels grand, upon the strand, 

Where many guests do stay. 
And thousands more upon the shore, 

In cottages so gay. 

The steamers, proud of such a crowd 

As they take through the lake, 
Of aged gray and ladies gay. 

Their pleasant trips do lake. 

In starry night, with Luna bright, 

The little steamers run 
From Caldwell shore to Sagamore, 

For pleasure parties' fun. 

Ladies of wealth improve their health 

Upon the lake, we've seen. 
In skiffs at play, rowing away, 

Fresh as the first May Queen. 

In youth's gay time, while in my prime, 

I sailed upon its tide; 
I kissed her shrine, and love entwined. 

And long dwelt by her side. 



24 



The lake we leave, but much do grieve 

To bid her scenes adieu, 
No more to greet her pleasures sweet, 

Her beauties growing new. 

Now we have corae to my "sweet home," 

Although 'tis somewhat rude, 
Still we give rest to ever}' guest, 

And dwell in quietude. 

Fiftj'-six 3'ears I drove the steers. 

And plowed this little place' 
If one lacked bread, 'twas often said. 

They called on Uncle Ase. 

Now, my dear friend, I did intend 

To make a truthful case; 
If aught is wrong in all this song. 

Please call on Uncle Ase. 

Much has been written and been told 
About Lake George in time of old, 

Which warmed the heart, enshrined the soul. 
To keep those relics safe as gold. 

And when we call those scenes to mind. 

There in an age that needs remind, . 
Of savage yells and piercing steel, 

Bv force the stronjjest form must vield. 



35 



They tell us of the ancient names 

Of Horicon or heroes fame, 
From old histor^-'s musty page. 

Forgetting this a better age. 

The hearts of all, both old and young, 
Are dreaming of Lake Horicon; 

And in their visions, as they view, 

They long for something fresh and new. 

j^ow, here is what the tourists need — 
A pleasant home that will pay heed. 

And give them all the quiet rest, 
With happj' hours they love the best. 

Now, here you have a little guide 

To ever}^ hotel by the tide. 
So you are free to make your choice; 



In eighteen hundred eighty-nine 

Forty-four hotels we do find 
Xow standing on Lake George's shores. 

All lovely homes with open doors. 

From William Henry's lofty fort, 

Where people come to board and sport. 

We take our start to march around 
And compass in Lake George's bound. 



26 



This hotel is of modern birth; 

Five hundred boarders know its worth; 
When summer comes it brings them here; 

In autumn they all disappear. 

A little east upon the shore, 

Where belched the cannon's awful roar, 
There lies Fort George, a ruined pile 

And has lain there for a long while. 

Now, we march on to Seel^'e's lot, 
The fire has burnt that lovelj' spot 

And laid it waste at least one year, 
And tourist's miss this house so dear. 

We take a stroll up Crosby's side, 
Where stands the champion in pride; 

There you can dine and take your tea — 
In happiness can always be. 

When to the Crosby house you come 
You'll find a nice and fjleasant home 

For old and young and middle age; 
Then you will tarry with the sage. 

Now, we go north upon the hill 
Where Catholics do run the mill; 

The Deity is there on hand 
When they go to this happy land. 



27 



Now, we go on to Fred Plum's point, 
And here is nothing out of joint; 

He gave us plums — all we could eat — 
And if too many we got beat. 

We now pass on to Joshua's rock, 
Where Christians feed their little flock 

Of Sunday schools with nice picnics; 
Then stem the tide as sound as bricks. 

There's Elvin Seelye in this row, 
And Cynthia's postoffice below, 

An honor to old Dunham's bay — 
Good fishes caught near, by the way. 

Here is a house made of nice stone 
And owned by Doctor Egglestone, 

Where he can write his great thoughts down 
Of Horicon or city town. 

Now, we were in Lige Dunham's bay, 
With a long creek where fishes play. 

And water lillies growing wild. 

More beautiful than mother's child. 

We leave this bay and on our route. 
And call where Braytons dine on trout, 

Near the canal, in cottage white, 
Where friends do linger in the nio^ht. 



28 



Here we will stop and rest awhile, 
A chowder eat — gotten up in stj-le — 

And made of trouts — delicious treat — 
Ah ! lovely dish, you're hard to beat. 

This flowr^' landscape in its bloom, 
More beautiful than bride or groom. 

When dressed in nature's smiling art 
"Will surely win the proudest heart. 

A little north is Polly Wood's; 

We recognize her ver^' good, 
And she is ninety years of age. 

Still she is here upon the stage. 

We hoist our sail, run to Cape Ann; 

This name was made bj^ a sailing man 
In eighteen hundred thirty-two, 

While sailing round the lake to view. 

In eighty -nine, while in a haste, 

The name was changed to suit their taste. 
Where priests will come intent to preach. 

And then good morals the}' can teach. 

Here is the place for human bliss; • 
We recognize Lake 'George for this. 

And thank old. nature for those charms. 
Devising them into our arms. 



29 



The new name — now Assembly point — 
And this may not be out of joint; 

Thousands may come to land so nice 
In this beautiful pavjidise. 

Here is a boarding house in sig:ht, 
And Mr. Frommel keeps it right; 

Here you can dine on great big fish 
And chickens, too; tiiat's if 3'ou wish. 

Here yon will tarry summers long 
Where all is well and nothing wrong 

Until the autumn bird reveals 

Then wing your way to sunny fields. 

We now go south to middle bay, 
And pick up relics by the way; 

The first we meet upon this line 
Is James Harris, fixing to dine. 

He now has twenty souls to feed 
And to do so he must pay heed; 

He owns a part of sunset hill, 

Where all his boarders roam at will. 

Here is a home that will pay heed 
And give you all the rest you need, 

In quietude both night and day, 
And feed you trout the first of May. 



30 



When 3'0ii look out upon the tide, 
In early morn on Sunny side, 

A challenge here will meet your eyes: 
Come out to-day and win the prize. 

James takes the boarders out to fish 
Upon the lake if 'tis their wish, 

And here they get the ready pay 
In double quick without delay. 

Now, we turn east to Brayton's dock. 
And. here we meet a splendid flock 

From village and from city, too. 
Their visits here, health to renew. 

The bullheads here will fill 3'our dish. 
But if you choose some larger dish 

The chickens here, with lamb and steak 
Are soon on hand and no mistake. 

Here is a farm to grow the stuff. 
So all that come can have enough, 

And Walter here to catch the fish, 
So you can have them good and fresh. 

Now, we go north to Warren Gunn, 
And he is on the course we run; 

And now he owns the Ripley farm, 
And is our neighbor free from harm. 



31 



Here James Riple^' lived long and died, 

A patriot of manly pride; 
We place this little tribute here 

In memory of our friend so dear. 

James was my mate when in my prime; 
We rambled over hills sublime, 
And often brought home noble deer. 
And bruin, too, in our career. 

Black mountain was mj' friend's resort; 

The deer were thick — the hounds retort- 
But when we wanted extra fun 

We would cross over to Short Run. 

And here we caught some splendid buck. 
And fancy deer — 't was our good luck — 

But now those scenes are far behind; 
Still gems do linger in the mind. 

Now, we go north to Ripley's Point, 
And here is nothing out of joint; 

The hotel here has many guests 
Who tarry long in quiet rest. 

Here Mr. Ferris feeds them well, 
And this the boarders often tell; 

The steamers bring the daily mail 
All summer long to Cleverdale. 



32 



Here is a village, nice and gay 

Where people come to rest and phi}', 

And dine upon the best of fish, 

And everything that heart can wish. 

Then on the lake the}' take a ride 
To catch some fish or sail the tide. 

Or on the mountains take a stroll 
As free as air, none to control. 

We leave this point in splendid grace, 
And go on east to Sheldon's place: 

And here we find them nice and clean 
As any place that we have seen. 

And eighty boarders in the hall, 

Of old and 3'oung, both great and small, 

Who yearly come and make their call. 
And tarry late into the fall. 

This is a nice and pleasant spot, 
And those who come are not forgot, 

For Ella watches every side; 
To care for all it is her pride. 

Now% we go south to Siieldon's home, 
Where Mr. Gates stands in his room. 

And keeps the house with much renown. 
And everything from running down. 



33 



O'er fifty 3'ears, in times of old, 
Here Allen Sheldon did control 

And kept the house with genius' skill, 
And was our neighbor free from ill. 

We now go east to Grove hotel, 
Where every thing was always well, 

And Wetmore standing on the dock, 
To care for all his splendid flock. 

Near rocky point, in blissful shade. 
Here one can sit down by his maid7 

And breath his sweetest notes of love 
Near this good hotel in the grove. 

There are six cottages, all well, 
Not far away from Grove hotel, 

And they were full both night and day. 
All standing near Van Wormer's bay. 

We now go north to Cronkhite's place. 

The beautiful of all our race, 
That we have seen while on our route; 

It long was called Pavilion Trout. 

This splendid shore and landscape green, 
More beautiful than first Ma}' Queen; 

It crowns the eastern shores so gay; 
When boarders come, they come to stay 



34 



Here is a mountain full of fun; 

Ladies walk up and down they run 
'Mid summer flowers, fresh and new, 

And little birds to sing for you. 

We now pass on to Phelps' hall; 

This house is nice and very tall; 
A cupola upon the top, 

And here the young ones dance and hop. 

Four cottages, and they are right, 
All standing on a pleasant site; 

Not far away from the Mayflower, 
In quietude they spend the hour. 

We now go to the Mayflower; 

This house is full at every hour 
When visitors are at the lake — 

A quiet home and no mistake. 

Now, we go north to Kattskill bay. 
Where all do get the ready pay 

In everything that hearC can wish. 
And dine on bullhead, trout and fish. 

Where Scoville watches every face 
To see if things are in their place, 

And looks for all within his care 

And sees that each one gets his share. 



35 



A pleasant place for every one, 

No prejudice for any tongue, 
But makes all happy when they call. 

Then they will stay till in the fall. 

Here are nine cottages so gay 

Upon the shores of Kattskill bay; ■ 

Among the crowd is Rocky Rest, 
Where Braytons go and think it best. 

Here is Green Island near our road. 
Where campers often do unload: 

When summer comes it brings a club — 
Manhattan boys, who live on grub. 

We next go to Brayton's retreat. 

Where you can rest serenely sweet 
In paradise b}^ nature made. 

And checkered with sunshide and shade. 

And here the elements do blend 
To sweeten love they do intend. 

And kiss the cheeks with roses sweet 
Of old and 3'oung in this retreat. 

The purest water here on earth. 
The finest trout b}' nature's birth. 

And shady groves serenely nice, 
All tell their tales of Paradise. 



36 



The mountains here are full of game; 

The fox, the deer and bear by name. 
The rabbit, coon and partridge, too, 

And often squirrels near in view. 

The berries here were nice and fair, 
And growing wild without our care, 

The blueberries upon the hills, 

Far sweeter, too, than Herrick's Pills. 

Here is a site for a hotel. 

Bj^ Nature made, and all is well. 
And near the road from Kattskill shore. 

About half way to Sagamore. 

Now we go to Victoria lodge. 

And this great truth no one can dodge; 
Here you can dine on lovely trout 

If you stop here upon your route. 

Here is the place to get them right. 
For they were caught near by in sight. 

And when they come, all fresh we know. 
Then we go at them on tip toe. 

Seven cottages both new and old, . 

Upon this shore we have not told. 
We leave them all in good report 

To stay there long and have their sport. 



37 



Camp Andrews stands in Phelps' ba}', 
Where pioneers long summers stay; 

With hook and line he plays his part, 
To catch big trout he has an art. 

His boarders were from city halls,' 
Who yearly come and make their calls 

Unto this land serenel}' sweet. 

Ah ! lovely home, you're hard to beat. 

Here, Norman Phelps did come and stop, 
Felled the first tree and raised a crop, 

And built a house of logs and sticks — 
A soldier, too, of sevent^'-six. 

Six brilliant sons, and daughters two, 
Were landed here when life was new; 

Now all have gone save Uncle John — 
Ninety-one years, and still runs on. 

Here is a stream called Butternut brook; 

We cannot pass without a look, 
It winds its way through hill and dell 

Beneath Buck mountains' morning bell. 

Three generations passed, we say. 

And the fourth got on the way 
Where their great grandsire stemmed the tide, 

And cared for all with his good bride. 



We often hear of Shelving rock, 

That noted place where hunters flock, 

Where they could sleep secure from rain 
When stormj^ winds sweep o'er the plain. 

Here are old hens and chickens four; 

She has set long and hatched no more; 
We cannot give her years in store, 

Perh';ips ten million o'er and o'er. 

Now we will sail to Fourteen Mile; 

This Island now in city style: 
Full seventy years I've traveled o'er 

Hw pleasant wilds and rock-bound shore. 

Now, she is, b}" the art of man, 

Cultivating this rocky land. 
He lays it into walks and parks. 

Where ladies skip around like larks. 

A splendid hotel here in view, 

Where you can feed your whole boat's crew; 
Then go unto 3'our nightly rest; 

That's if you choose and think it best. 

Now, we will go but half a mile, 
And stop at the One Hundred Isles, 

And Bradley laughs to see us come, 

P'or he well knows we're far from home. 



39 



And tired, too, and want some grub — 
A venison steak puts on the nub — 

So here we sta,y and all recruit; 
All summer long we know it suits. 

And here you have Miss Mary's care; 

Such landladies are very rare, 
For everything comes quick and true, 

And her good graces with it, too. 

Now, we will take a step or two 
O'er to Pearl Point; it's good and new; 

'Tis very nice, a pleasant home. 
And they will care for all that come. 

Here's many beauties on these Isles, 

In cottages that nearly smile. 
But we must pass them on a run 

And let them stay and have their fun. 

We drift along to Western's bay; 

That was its name in former days; 
Now it is changed to Paradise. 

Its bosom smooth and very nice. 

Now, here is where the gentry go 
To view old Nature's hidden show; 

Its beauties were of Nature's birth, 

Like all those mountains and this earth. 



40 



Now, we will sail to Popple point, 
Here every thing is out of joint; 

The hotel here Avas burnt with fire, 
And nothing left that we desire. 

Now we will run down the long Sue, 
To Huletts Landing, take a view 

Of this nice hotel by the lake. 
Where all the travelers partake. 

We leave the bosom in their pride 
And run down along by the side 

Of this nice house upon the hill, 
Where people sta}' quiet and still. 

Near Taft's old home, where once he stayed 
And all in happiness were made; 

Now he is gone and cannot bless 
xVny of his neighbors or the rest. 

Now, Ave go north to old bluff head. 
And here the gentry is not dead; 

They now run over hill and dell, 
So we pronounce them getting well. 

There is a house down in Gull bay 
Where everj^thing is looking gay. 

And Nature, smiling in her art, 
To sweeten love and win the heart. 



41 



It's standing on the eastern shore 

The boarders sit with open door 
To catch the purest moimt^iin breeze 

That drifts along to fan the trees. 

Now, we will take a length}' road 
Where all the steamers do unload; 

They land them safe upon the dock, 
Sometimes one thousand in a flock. 

And here the}' take the northern road 
Down to the fort and then unload 

Where Ethan Allen took the fort 
In one dark night, which made much sport. 

Now we run back to Rogers' slide, 
Where stands a hotel by the tide. 

Her doors are open far and wide; 
To care for all it is their pride. 

Now, we go south up the west shore 

Some four miles or a little more, 
And stop awhile and take our rest, 

For here our friends do think it best. 

Here is a house upon an isle 
Where all the boys do stop awhile 

When they go on their fishing route, 
And never fail to catch big trout. 



42 



This place was known as Cook's best Isle 
In ancient days when Nature smiled, 

But now she's in a better sphere. 

Where boarders come from far and near. 

Now, we go over to old Hague, 
Where all is well and none to plague; 
'Tis where Nathaniel Garfield died, 
A champion of merit — pride. 

He was a light in every part 
And had the love of every heart; 

He has been gone near thirty j'ears, 
And still his mem'ry's fresh with tears. 

Here are three hotels in a row 
Where all the great ones choose to go; 

The boarders were from city nice. 
Sit looking on lake Paradise. 

Here is a church now rich with grace, 
And all who come can have a place 

To hear the tidings from above, 

Where all were blest with Jesus' love. 

This lake might well be called the queen 
Of all the world that we have seen. 

Since she is beautiful and nice 

Please change her name to Paradise. 



48 



The lake is one of beauty's heirs, 
The goddess of old Nature's cares, 

And blended with magnetic charms, 

Though cradled in the mountains' arms. 

She draws the loved ones on their tours 
And holds the swa}^ of Europe's powers; 

They wed with her and kiss her shrine 
And then in love their souls entwine. 

Lake Horicon has much renown 

Without the name of England's crown; 

She's not under King George's power, 
But cost eight years of weary hours. 

She's now in the land of the free 

And shaded by liberty's tree: 
Since she is so charming and nice 

Please call her name Lake Paradise. 

Here is a house in Silver Bay, 
And new beginners, so they sa}^: 

Please call and see our new-born place, 
Then you will leave us your good grace. 

Here is the place to catch the deer, 
For they run in quite often here! 

When hunters go into the wood 
We surely get some venison good. 



44 



Now, we sail south to Sabbath point; 

Here Samuel stands, all to annoint, 
And care for all he's good and kind, 

A better home is hard to find. 

The French stopped here o'er Sabbath day 
For to hold service on their way, 

And prayed the Lord to guide them right 
Straight through the lake by day or night. 

Here is a church in city style 
Where you can go and sit awhile. 

And talk about the blessed Lord — 
How He did them always reward. 

Here's where Captain Patchen first came; 

He built a house and made his home. 
Soon as the war of seventy-six 

Had left us free fromm savage tricky. 

And here is where the Captain died, 
In a snow bank near by the tide; 

Alone our hero falls and dies. 
And no one near to hear his cries. 

Our hero had a genius— skill — 
Devised to him by Nature's will; 

A champion in early age, 

A captain, too, and last a sage. 



45 



Out north is where the people tell 
The soldier fought with death and fell, 

And there he ended his career, 
Our patriot and friend so dear. 

This is a nice and pleasant place, 
And those who come do leave their grace 

Before they go a cottage rear 

To shelter them some other year. 

When summer comes they're on the wing 
To view those mountains in the spring, 

Though far away in homes so nice 
Still they dream of Lake Paradise. 

And here they sing, both preach and pray. 
And tell their saints this is the way 

To bring along their little boys 
And fill their souls for heavenly joys. 

Now, we go south to a wigwam 
Where Anthony stayed summers long, 

An Indian, too, and that's not all, 
His good name was Antliony Paul. 

A preacher too of merit worth. 
Although he had an Indian birth, 

And now here stands beside this rock 
A Christian home where people flock. 



46 



To get away from city rude 

And rest awhile in quietude; 
The place serene by Nature made 

And checkered with sunshide and shade. 

Here was a hotel at French Point, 
But now the the thing is out of joint; 

The fire has swept the house away, 
And no place left for us to stay. 

We now come to the Sagamore, 

The finest hotel on the shore, 
And crowded full of city guests 

While other hotels take the rest. 

It's standing on the Island Green, 
A beaut,y, too, of all we've seen. 

And Myron, watching by her side, 
Of all the rest he is their pride. 

Hundreds have come in former .years 
And left the lake with briny tears; 

Thousands will come to lands so nice 
In this beautiful paradise. 

The Bolton house is very near,. 

And full of boarders every year; 
One beauty, too, above the rest. 

Her scenery is far the best. 



The Wells house, too, is very nigh, 
And with the rest they claim to vie, 

Though Lon is small he works all day 
To make all happy while they stay. 

This is a trait that some have not 
To make all happy on the spot; 

This is a virtue all would prize; 
Some others dress more in disguise. 

Here stands our friend, one Richard Brown. 

When he's not up then he is down; 
His houses full of city guests 

Who yearly come and think it best. 

Brown can survey these mountains o'er, 
And all around this rock-bound shore; 

He has a compass none can beat; 
It tells his boarders when to eat. 

Here are more hotels rich with grace 

That are not mentioned in this place; 
So all that come can have a share 
If in go»d time they do get there. 

We next stop at Mohican place; 

She was the first of all the race. 
In eighteen hundred and nineteen 

She was the first to be ISIay Queen. 



48 



When I was scarce!}^ in my teens 
1 viewed the hotel and those scenes, 

O'er seventy years 'tis very true, 
And still her beauty's growing new. 

Although her age, eighty or more, 
Still she is young upon this shore; 

This place is sweet and serene. 
Well may we call her first May Queen; 

Here stands four churclies near the lake. 
And they were built for Christians sake 

Here all are free who choose to go 
And pa,y their tribute here below. 

Now, we will stop at Basin ba,y 
To meet our club; this is the day; 

In social friendship is no crime 
To while away old lazy time. 

As we go south the next we meet 
Upon this shore is Henry's fleet; 

He is not there but gone away 
As others to have gone to stay. 

We now pass on to Sherman's dock. 

And here we meet a splendid flock 
Of city boarders from their hall, 

Who stay all summer into fall. 



49 



TJie liote] Jiore is vory grand 
Willi the best fixino^ of the land, 

With w.-dks and parks, with splendid shade 
Where one can sit down by his maid. 

And when you f^o sit down to dine 

Toil find a table rich as wine, 
And a orood waiter by your side 

To wait on you and your good bride. 

Next we will run to old Smith brook 
And stop awhile and take a look 

On this young village by the way 
Where Nature ke(^ps th(^m from decay. 

Here is a hotel by the way 

That is kept open every day. 
Here you can dine, that's if you will, 

If you are quiet and keep still. 

Here is a church made of nice stone, 
Where Christians go all gvery one. 

And talk about their Saviour's grace, 
h\ pardoning all old Adam's race. 

Now, we go south u.jwn a run 

And scarcely stop for any one, 
Although we pass some places nice, 

Especially th(.' Colonel Price. 



50 



But he has gone to.be no more 

And all will miss him on the shore 

Where once the Colonel played his part 
And healed the wounds of ever}' heart. 

We next stop at the little isle 

And take our tea and rest awhile; 

Now we were just one mile away 
From the village, as people say. 

James Caldwell was the noble man, 
The founder of this village plan. 

And gave the Warren. County site 
Where stands the court house in its might. 

And the clerks office — all the ground — 
Where our safe treasures all, were found: 

This was a noble gift, we know, 
And Warren Count}^ thought it so. 

He built and lived in mansion house 

Out north, as quiet as a mouse, 
And when he left and went away. 

His son, William, had all the sway. 

William ruled all as we have heard, 
When his time came he disappeared; 

'Tis said that William did no less, 
But gave the steamboat a new dress. 



51 



The boat was named William Caldwell, 
And this to all the truth will tell, 

Here are four hotels, all were good. 
That will give care to all their brood. 

But the Lake House is very old. 
And hath a charm like pure gold; 

She's standing by the lake we see, 
"Where all the tourists love to be. 

Here is George Brown, an old landlord, 
And with our friendship we reward; 

He has been through the spirit land 
Full forty years, and still a man. 

We place this tribute on his door, 

Unto his credit evermore. 
For in the future as the past 

Our good old friend will ever last. 

Here are four churches standing near. 
Where you can go and take your dear, 

And pay your tribute to the Lord; 
Then in good time he will reward. 

Now, we are at the great hotel; 

Gone round the lake and all is well; 
We have come here to view the ground 

Where redskins slaughtered all they found. 



52 



Now, here we see tlie art of man 
In this fine hotel on the strand, 

Where once the crimson tide did flow; 
With tomahawk tliey dealt the blow. 

Then with the knife they took the scalp, 
And no one there to give them help 

Montcalm agreed to pay them heed 
So none should suffer, die or bleed. 

Bui let his Indians massacree 

All but seven in savage glee; 
Not long the traitor had to wait 

On Abram's plain he met his fate. 

Now, here we see this lake of joy. 
All through my life down to a boy. 

Eighty-six years have passed and gone, 
Still I am here to write this song. 

I always dwelt near Middle bay 
And ever hope to while I stay; 

The lake hath got a pleasant charm, 
And I am happy on my farm. 

Now, when you read this little song, 
If you should find that I was wrong 

Be kind and good and rest your case, 
Then come and see your Uncle Ase. 



53 



Should I come out and undertake 
To tell the beauties of this lake; 

Of all the mountains and those isles, 

Language would fail while Nature smiles. 

Now, here I close this diagram, 
Of drawing sketclies o'er the land, 

Of scenery and homes so nice. 
In this beautiful Paradise 



LAKE GEORGE 



AND- 



ITS SURROUNDINGS 

BOTH OLD AND NEW. 
IN RHYME. 



Revised and Enlarged by a Second Part, 
MAKING a Circle of the Lake, touching 

ALL the principal POINTS OP INTEREST, 
- THE HOTELS, BOARDING HOUSES, 
CHURCHES and COTTAGES IN 
GENERAL, NOTING THE PRIN- 
CIPAL LAND MARKS OP 
THE OLDEN TIMES. 



♦ctBy ASA w^. Br?AYTor^.8- 



^H 



GLENS FALLS, N. Y.: 

STAR PUBLISHING CO., PRINTERS. 
189I. 



Vi 22U85 



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